As part of its continuous efforts and commitment towards educating young Emirati talents and enabling them to have a solid approach to the job market, du recently launched its second batch of Work Skills Training Programme giving 300 Emirati students professionally-taught vocational soft skills to enhance their future career prospects. This year sees more than twice as many students as the previous programme, with courses being held in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

During the seven-week programme (ending on 31st May), students will select their courses, provided by learning partners Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group, Spearhead, Abami, Franklin Covey and Ideas Management. Upon completion, students will be presented with a certificate during a graduation ceremony that will be a valuable addition to their CV.

“Our Work Skills Programme presents a unique opportunity to students in the UAE, who are given the chance to learn the essential soft skills that will help them get ahead in their future careers. The job market is very competitive, and by giving them this advantage we are providing them with the essentials – such as doing well in an interview or office etiquette – that they will need to carve a successful career for themselves,” said Jamal Khalifa Lootah, Senior Director National Recruitment and Development, du.

“This is part of our Emiratisation efforts, and through this programme we are aiming to give more Emiratis more fulfilling professions, so that they can become successful, contributing members of their society and help become successful business leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

Joumana Saad

Before joining SME Advisor, I worked as a producer/reporter for Forbes Media in New York. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and International Studies at the University of South Florida in the US. I am currently in Dubai working as Sub-Editor for SME Advisor Middle East, which is a business magazine published by CPI. You can follow me on Twitter: @joumanasaad or @SMEadvisorME and (Joumana Saad) or (SME Advisor) on LinkedIn.

SME Advisor Middle East is aimed at business owners and senior executives across the GCC. Armed with practical advice, it has been highlighting key business issues for the small and medium enterprise segment since its launch in 2005.